“And do you ride just all the time?� the other, Ethel Carew, asked Teddy.
“Who, me? Nope! Sit down to eat,� and Teddy grinned. Nice eyes the girl had.
“How’s your mother?� Mr. Manley interrupted.
“Fine,� Roy answered, turning to his father. “She’ll be glad to see you again. She’s been a little lonesome.�
“No trouble?� his father asked quickly. “I heard something about rustlers getting away with some of the 8 X 8 stock. Man on the train told me. They haven’t been around our place, have they?�
“Not that I know of,â€� Roy replied. “I guess mother’s been a bit upset ever since—er—â€� He glanced over at Teddy, who was explaining to Ethel Carew why they called a cowboy a puncher. “Ever since you had that fuss with Gilly Froud,â€� Roy went on. “She’s always sort of afraid he’ll come back and do some damage.â€�
Mr. Manley scowled and removed his pipe from his mouth.
“He better not let me catch him around the X Bar X,� he said sternly. “And if he’s wise, he’ll steer clear of Teddy, too. Froud may be big, but I wouldn’t bet a plugged nickel on him if Teddy ever saw him kick Flash again.�
“Oh, Mr. Manley, did I hear some one say something about rustlers?� exclaimed Nell Willis. “I’d just love to see a real, live rustler. Did you ever shoot one, Mr. Manley?�
“Who, me? Shoot a rustler?� Roy’s father demanded. Then he saw that Nell was looking at Roy. “Oh, you mean him. I thought you were talkin’ to me. That’s Roy, there.�